Stepping into a little shop on the prairie is a Saskatchewan experience you won’t find in the cities. These rural places will take you way beyond the urban retail scenes of Saskatoon and Regina. 

You’ll discover the creative talents of local artisans – everything from one-of-a kind art and jewelry to vintage antiques and reclaimed farmhouse fixtures. Poke around for rustic, trendy and refined items, like pottery, jewelry, clothing, books, art and local fare.

Here are eight off-the-beaten-path boutiques that will take you on a journey through Saskatchewan’s rich culture and creative spirit.

1. Big Beaver General Store

Location: Big Beaver

Big Beaver General Store, a classic small town country store, sells a little bit of everything – from hardware to underwear. The 4,000-sq. ft. store in Big Beaver was built in 1928 and has always been a popular coffee stop for locals and visitors in this tiny hamlet. Unique souvenirs are available here too, including hats, T-shirts, cups and bunnyhugs.

2. Kinder Surprises Antiques

Location: Davidson

Kinder Surprises Antiques is located near Davidson and is jam-packed with beautifully displayed items. Reputedly the largest rural antique shop in Saskatchewan with a ‘village’ of beautifully repurposed buildings including a 100+ year old hip-roof barn, a century old one-room schoolhouse, a church built in 1912, and many more. Each treasure comes with its own history and story – from antiques and reclaimed building parts to glassware and furniture. With so much to see, make sure you plan to stay a while!

E

3. The Sinking Canoe Antiques

Location: Indian Head

The Sinking Canoe Antiques houses a well-curated collection of antiques and an intriguing selection of collectible items in a quaint red cottage barn. If you have a passion for the past, a nostalgia for vintage and a deep appreciation for the artistic soul, then you must visit this shop in Indian Head.

4. Cowtown Kids Toy & Candy

Location: Maple Creek

Cowtown Kids Toy & Candy is Saskatchewan’s largest independent toy store. They house a huge selection of nostalgic candy and toys loaded with fond memories and excellent play value, including Canada’s largest puzzle displays. Find all of this and stellar customer service inside three beautiful heritage buildings.

5. Yvette Moore Gallery

Location: Moose Jaw

Housed in the restored 1910 Land Titles Building, the Yvette Moore Gallery showcases the work of the internationally renowned painter, along with creations from over 40 western Canadian artisans and collections of locally handcrafted pottery, jewelry, sculptures and glass works. Glass art by Brenda McLaughlin and pottery by Parsons Dietrich Pottery are some fine examples. Its onsite restaurant, The Gallery Café serves classic prairie cuisine with an artistic take.

6. On the Avenue Artisan’s Gallery

Location: Prince Albert

On the Avenue Artisan’s Gallery carries the work of painters, potters, wood artists, turners, sculptors and jewelry makers. This is a great showcase of local talent for all price ranges. Artists rent display space, choose which works they want to sell and set their own prices. Every visit is new and exciting.

7. Prairie Wind & Silver Sage

Location: Val Marie

Prairie Wind & Silver Sage is known for prairie grasslands-inspired books, handcrafts and great coffee. Explore a unique selection of hard-to-find resources about local culture, history, and grasslands ecology. This eco museum, café, bookstore and gift shop is located near the entrance to the West Block of Grasslands National Park, one of the largest and darkest Dark Sky Preserves in Canada.

8. Black Spruce Gallery

Location: Waskesiu Lake

Black Spruce Gallery features the work of artists and crafters inspired by the northern boreal forest. Visitors to Prince Albert National Park will discover nature-themed fine art for a diverse range of tastes and budgets. Outside of the gallery’s May through September operating season, art is available for purchase on its online shop.

Saskatchewan-Made Marketplaces

Looking for more Saskatchewan-inspired creations? Shop locally online at these one-of-a-kind marketplaces:

• SaskMade Marketplace
• Saskatchewan Craft Council Gallery & Fine Craft Boutique
• SaskBooks
• SaskGalleries

Where is your favourite shopping gem? We’d love to see your photos and hear your stories. #ExploreSask